A new study published in the journal Arthritisproves that ginger is better than drugs as a pain killer and for the treatment of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. For someone like me with “growing pains” this comes as great news. Did you know you can buy ginger extract from your local shopping mall? This is a very convenient way to store and access your daily ginger ‘fix’.

NOTE: 1st May and I just came back from a tough trip up to the hilltribe people of Thailand. Lot’s of ‘rock climbing’ crossing slippery streams, walking uphill etc. Back home, in a lot of pain, knee swollen. Have been taking honey and ginger oil extract in green tea every morning (and a dash of lime) . Almost better now, one week later. Usually takes me more than a month of pain killers, muscle relaxants etc to get back to ‘normal’. Anecdotal report only, I know, but seems to be working great for me. Is now on my daily intake list. : )

On with the blog…

Cytokines are immune-regulating substances that can have inflammatory effects on the body, and are therefore linked to pain. In this study, both betamethasone and ginger extract reduced cytokines in comparable amounts. The authors of the study indicate that, “ginger extract was as effective an anti-inflammatory agent as betamethasone in this in vitro model.”

Ibuprofens such as Advil or Motrin are popular pain remedies, but this study showed they had no effect on cytokine production.

Betamethasone has been used for decades to relieve pain, but it is also linked with many serious side-effects, including: vision problems, weight gain, swelling, shortness of breath, depression, seizures, pancreatitis, heart arrhythmias, muscle weakness, high blood pressure, severe headaches, anxiety, chest pains, sleep problems, acne, slow wound healing, and more. Ginger, however, is a powerful anti-inflammatory that is safe for use. For more information, consult Arthritis-Proof.

Other research by Dr. Krishna C. Srivastava, a world-renowned researcher on the therapeutic effects of spices, at Odense University in Denmark, found that ginger is an effective and superior anti-pain remedy. In one study, Dr. Srivastava gave arthritic patients small amounts of ginger daily for three months. The majority of people had significant improvements in pain, swelling, and morning stiffness by eating ginger daily.

PS:ginger, honey & lime in green tea is a very pleasant and healthy way to start your day.